Dublin's city centre transformed into a warzone on Thursday evening as violent riots erupted following a suspected stabbing incident that left three young children and a care worker hospitalised.
The chaos began when anti-immigration protesters gathered outside the Irish Parliament building at Leinster House, with demonstrations quickly spiralling out of control. Witnesses described scenes of unprecedented violence as multiple vehicles were set ablaze, shops were looted, and public transport came under attack.
Gardai Under Siege
An Garda Síochána, Ireland's national police service, faced what officials described as "exceptional public disorder" throughout the evening. Riot police were deployed in large numbers as officers came under sustained attack from projectiles and fireworks.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris condemned the "disgraceful scenes" and confirmed that a significant police operation would continue through the night to restore order to the capital.
Transport System Paralyzed
The violence brought Dublin's public transport to a standstill, with Luas tram services suspended and multiple bus routes diverted. Dublin Bus was forced to halt all services through the city centre as the safety of passengers and staff could not be guaranteed.
Social media footage showed burning vehicles and shattered windows along O'Connell Street and surrounding areas, normally bustling with Christmas shoppers at this time of year.
Political Condemnation
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar expressed his horror at the events, stating that those involved had "brought shame on Dublin, brought shame on Ireland, and brought shame on their families and themselves."
The Irish Justice Minister vowed that those responsible would face justice, while opposition leaders united in condemning the violence that has left parts of the city centre severely damaged.
As cleanup operations begin, questions are being raised about the underlying tensions that sparked such widespread destruction in Ireland's capital city.
